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Kerlyne Hilaire | January 9, 2014 - 8:10 pm

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Hip-hop’s impact on the world is real. Flexing influence through ambition, creativity, and dollar signs, some of the rap game’s most valuable players are given the salute in the annual Forbes “30 Under 30″ list, showcasing 30 young artists and innovators ready to shift the culture. J. Cole, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and Wiz Khalifa all made Forbes’ prestigious list on behalf of hip-hop in the music realm and here’s why:

1. It’s been a Cole world since J. Cole’s sophomore effort Born Sinner shot to the top of the charts, and his co-signs from fans and artists alike continue to increase.
2. Numbers don’t lie and Drake reportedly grossed $30 million in two years–enough said.
3. Kendrick Lamar is a good kid gone great. After touring alongside Yeezus and various festivals across the globe, dropping crazed verses on tracks like “Control,” KDot also bagged seven Grammy nods.
4. Taylor Gang leader Wiz Khalifa has been on the list for three years straights, the life span of the report itself and banking $14 million from tours, merch and record sales.

Other artists who made the cut are Miguel, Janelle Monae, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Lorde. In the arena of sports, NBA stars Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James also got special mention based off endorsements for their athletic success.